CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

electrical squealing noise?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 28, 2012 | 06:32 PM
  #1  
siyan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
07 CLK550, 07 Z4
electrical squealing noise?

2007 CLK 550

On cold starts, twice now, there seems to be this weird electrical sounding squealing noise. Pretty loud. Seems to be HVAC related (it seems to go away when I turn the HVAC off, but not 100% sure since the squealing is intermittent).

Goes away after 20 seconds or so. Really bizzare. I also heard a similar noise when I had the hood popped (car was even off!) the other day, so I'm wondering if its related.

Really baffled at this one. Any ideas?
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2012 | 06:52 PM
  #2  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
It sounds like the Poly V belt sqealing or a belt tensioner pulley or idler pulley. It could be the swash plate HVAC compressor itself or just the load it places on the belt when selected. You can try an initial spray with belt dressing.

Then I would take off the poly V belt & see if the noise goes away. Do not run the car into overheatig that way!! Only run for a minute or two.

If the noise goes away then check all pulleys including water pump. Pay special attention to tensioner, idlers, alternator & A/C.

Good luck!
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 08:38 AM
  #3  
siyan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
07 CLK550, 07 Z4
Thanks. Tried it this morning with the engine off actually and still got the noise, although it was much less loud and a lot less duration before it went away.

But I think since the engine was off I can rule out the poly-V belt?

Could it be the AC compressor? Is there a way I can force the compressor to turn on?
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 08:54 AM
  #4  
Yidney's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
Is this loud enough or predictable enough that you could post a clip of it? I'm fascinated by a loud squeal with the engine off. You mean totally 100% off? That's a new one. I mean, what runs with the engine off? Not the AC compressor. And it is not your cooling fan still running because it only happens on cold starts. Can you hear it with the hood open and you standing there? If so, where does it sound like it's coming from? If the engine is off, it almost seems like something losing pressure or a vacuum source leaking. Also, can you decribe it better by comparing it to some more common sound? Like fingernails on a chalkboard, Newt Gingrich at a debate, etc. I have to say that an electrical squeal does not bring anything to mind because electricity usually doesn't make noise.
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 09:14 AM
  #5  
siyan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
07 CLK550, 07 Z4
I can try to get a video tomorrow. Going to leave a camera in the car for this purpose.

Its almost like...the noise you get when you leave a cellphone near a speaker, but higher pitched. Fingers on a chalkboard isn't a bad analogy either, although it is "rougher" than that.

It seems to come from behind the passenger side dashboard.


Regarding the hood up noise:
Actually I now think this (the HVAC noise) is unrelated to the noise I heard when the hood was up, because that was on the other side of the car. Not that having two issues is a good thing though. But yes, when the hood was up the car was off for at least 30 minutes already.
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 09:34 AM
  #6  
Yidney's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
Hmmm. What's over there? Your battery. Your ventialtion fan and motor. Not a ton of stuff. Does it last long enough that you can disconect the battery and see if it stops? I'd start removing anything that could muffle the sound like the cabin air filter case to see if that helps pin down the location better.
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 09:50 AM
  #7  
siyan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
07 CLK550, 07 Z4
You mean disconnect the battery with the engine running or not? Not sure if it will last long enough. I'll have to have a look. I guess I can use a battery keeper in the 12V.

By ventilation fan I assume you mean the main HVAC blower. So the compressor isn't on that side?
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 10:13 AM
  #8  
Yidney's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
I meant with the engine off. Maybe the sound does nto last long enough. As for the compressor, you said the sound was more like back near the firewall on the passenger side. The compressor is on the front of the engine down at the bottom and is run by the belt. I can't see how it can make noise with the engne off.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 10:15 AM
  #9  
Yidney's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
And yes, I meant the HVAC blower. It's right behind the battery.
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 10:18 AM
  #10  
siyan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
07 CLK550, 07 Z4
Gotcha. Seems like things are narrowing down. I'll try and remove some bits to if I can get a better diagnosis.

Thanks Yidney.
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2012 | 10:55 AM
  #11  
romansroad's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
clk 350, Maserati GT, Porsche Cayman
You might be able to isolate electrical items via the fuse panel, rather than systematically (tediously) actually disconnecting them...just a thought.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2012 | 06:26 PM
  #12  
siyan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
07 CLK550, 07 Z4
Hm, I'm starting to lean towards the HVAC blower motor. Will try to isolate it further. Haven't had a chance to drive the car the last few days (lots of snow / freezing rain so I took the GLK) but tomorrow...
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2012 | 06:53 PM
  #13  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yeah - Dry bearing on the squirrel cage is common. Usually chirps with wind blowing through it with HVAC off though. A number of DIYs on the 203 forum.

Other things that can make a noise with ignition on but engine not running are the Excess Air pump for cold start emissions or the Auxiliary Water pump for heater circulation.
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 04:01 AM
  #14  
2wheelsoff's Avatar
Junior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: Santa Monica
W124's; 92-2.6, 94-wagon
having a similar problem and this is driving me crazy...started intermittently and is now consistent.

I located my source of the noise...this is under the speaker on the dashboard passenger side...in a W124 ; to locate remove speaker cover, remove front speaker, disconnect vent hose and shove towards front of car to give you access. there is an electric fan that is connected to a hose - (disconnected in pic from me fishing around). Bearing is dead, as the squeal/ screech goes away when I slow the fan down with finger (not sharp nor powerful fan).


Anyone have any idea what this does? can it be deleted? part # I searched the russian websites parts diagrams but no luck.


Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 07:25 AM
  #15  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The pic is poor but that looks like the HVAC Duo Valve from older models. If so what you think is a fan is a pump.
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 09:36 AM
  #16  
kbahl21's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 2
From: Syosset, NY
CLK & GL
Does it sound like a vacumn cleaner?, cuz i have that sound
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 09:37 AM
  #17  
kbahl21's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 2
From: Syosset, NY
CLK & GL
i know what it is but im to lazy to rip it out lol
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 12:26 PM
  #18  
2wheelsoff's Avatar
Junior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: Santa Monica
W124's; 92-2.6, 94-wagon
Will try for a better pic in daylight ...this is inside the firewall, Duo Valve is on the other side in the engine bay... Not sure still what this is...will try and trace it further today.
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 12:33 PM
  #19  
2wheelsoff's Avatar
Junior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: Santa Monica
W124's; 92-2.6, 94-wagon


it is #113 in the diagram from link below, but there is no description or part #. looks like it is meant to pump air up to small vent by sunroof controls? or sucks air in for cabin temp to regulate for "auto" feature? Odd.

http://mb.ilcats.ru/part/class/1/cco.../vers//imgno/4
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 02:14 PM
  #20  
Rudeney's Avatar
MBworld Guru
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Yes, it's a fan use to supply air to the thermometer for the automatic climate control. Try taking it out and cleaning it. It may jest be full of dust. If that doesn't work, then it will need replacement.
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 07:43 PM
  #21  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Ah! OK - understood. It's the old HVAC sniffer fan. With Ya !
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 07:47 PM
  #22  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yidney - your cab looks fabulous!
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 09:02 PM
  #23  
2ng's Avatar
2ng
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Spain
CLK320CDI / M3 E46
brakes noise when changing gear

is this hvac thing problem common? -excuse the title, I mistook the window while creating a new thread-

Last edited by 2ng; Mar 3, 2012 at 09:09 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2012 | 11:11 PM
  #24  
siyan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
07 CLK550, 07 Z4
Hmm yes definitely the blower. Got the noise again this morning and it went away right when I hit OFF, and came back when I hit AUTO.

Not annoying enough yet for me to bother much with it, but if/when it gets worse I'll have the dealer handle it.

Worst case...$140 part and some back breaking labour in a few years.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2012 | 09:25 AM
  #25  
siyan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
07 CLK550, 07 Z4
This vid is going to the dealer.

Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:57 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE